Out of all the Greek Islands, Rhodes is a place that seems to have it all. It has a good balance of historic attractions, with some excellent beach towns, medieval castles and gorgeous island scenery. It suits those that want a relaxing beach holiday, an action-packed week of sightseeing, or a bit of both.
After spending 10 days exploring all corners of this popular Greek island, we’ve assembled a list of our top 20 places to visit in Rhodes. From the cobblestone alleys of the Old Town to captivating viewpoints, hilltop castles, ancient Greek monuments and hidden sandy beaches, this guide covers the absolute best highlights Rhodes has to offer. We also share some of the lesser known attractions.
Find inspiration for your next trip to Rhodes and be sure to post a comment if you have any questions.
Google Map of all locations in our guide
Lindos Town
Lindos is arguably the most picturesque and charming town in Rhodes. Located on the southeast coast and with temperatures that are often a few degrees warmer than the west, it’s a top place to stay and visit. Its hillside is dominated by an ancient acropolis monument, which overlooks rows of white-washed buildings and the town’s main beach.
Lindos’ narrow, flower-covered streets give it a traditional Greek appearance. Wandering around and getting lost in its old centre is one of the top things to do here. There’s also an old church, plenty of shops, cafes and restaurants and a sheltered beach cove. We spent the morning in Lindos Old Town and then relaxed on the beach in the afternoon. Evenings in Lindos are best spent enjoying a drink or dinner in a rooftop restaurant.
St Paul’s Bay
St Paul’s Bay is just along the coastline from Lindos Town. A much quieter place to relax, the bay has long been a great spot for swimming, bathing in the sun, and due to its idyllic coastal setting, getting married. St Paul’s Church overlooks the turquoise water. One side of the bay has a small section of sand where you can lay down your towel. The other side is home to a bougee beach club.
We visited a lot of coastal areas during our time in Rhodes. St Paul’s Bay is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful bays on the island.
Pefkos
Another nice beach town to visit in the south-east corner of Rhodes is Pefkos. It’s small, touristy and there isn’t a great deal of things to see and do. However, it’s still a great place to visit for a relaxing beach day. The town feels much quieter than others and there’s a good selection of tavernas, cafes and bars. We visited for lunch a couple of times and found the prices to be more affordable than neighbouring Lindos.
The beach is also quieter. Its sandy shores never feel too crowded and there are plenty of sun loungers available for hire. Visit Pefkos during the day to grab an ice cream and chill out on the beach. Return in the evening for a lively nightlife scene.
Rhodes old Town
We’re now heading north to the capital and one of the most historic areas of the island. Rhodes Old Town is one of the best places to visit in Rhodes, no matter your interests. As the beating heart of the island, it’s full of excellent things to see and do, from ancient castles and museums, to flower-covered streets, grand gateways and palaces. The centre of town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site surrounded by towering city walls. Its origins date back to 408 BC and it has a historic past made up of Roman, Byzantine, Ottoman, and Medieval influence.
Take time to appreciate the beauty of Rhodes Old Town by exploring its inner walls on foot. You can join a free walking tour for a background into its past. Alternatively, do what we did and pinpoint the top attractions on your map and find them yourself. Allocate a good few hours to sightseeing in the capital.
Mandraki Harbour and Port
Alongside Rhodes Old Town is Mandraki Harbour and Port. It’s known to be the site of the Colossus of Rhodes, a massive bronze statue of the Greek sun god Helios, built in 280 BC. It’s one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, and although it was destroyed and only a monument remains today, it’s still worth visiting.
Elsewhere in Mandraki Harbour you’ll find Saint Nicolas Fort, windmills and a scenic walking promenade with several bars and restaurants. Rhodes’ harbourside area is full of atmosphere. It’s a nice place to enjoy a drink with a view.
Ancient Stadium of Rhodes and Acropolis
The Ancient Stadium of Rhodes and Acropolis are a duo of Greek ruins just outside of Rhodes Town. Dating back to the 5th-century BC, this well-preserved archaeological site gives you an insight into an ancient Greek city. Many of the ruins are a shadow of their former glory. However, the Odeon, Stadium and Temple buildings are still standing strong. The archaeological site is free to visit and is well worth checking out.
Anthony Quinn Bay
We’ve already mentioned some of Rhodes’ beautiful beach coves. Anthony Quinn is regarded to be the most picturesque of all. Located on the east coast just outside of the party resort of Faliraki, it’s a scenic bay with transparent water and a crescent-shaped pebble beach. It’s one of the best places to visit in Rhodes to relax, unwind and go for a swim.
The beach area is a little uncomfortable as it’s a pebble beach. However, the sea views and natural beauty of the bay make up for it. Be sure to bring a snorkel – the area has an abundance of sea life. Once you’ve visited the beach, hike or drive up to the Anthony Quinn Bay viewpoint for a panoramic birds-eye view.
Tsambika Beach
Another top spot for a day of relaxation by the sea is Tsambika Beach. Unlike many of the other beaches on the island that have pebbles, Tsambika is a golden-sand beach that’s comfortable to walk and lie down on. It’s well equipped with seaside restaurants and has a boardwalk of shower facilities. Many people visit Tsambika Beach for a morning or afternoon of bathing in the sun and swimming in the sea. Lounger hire here isn’t cheap, but it does make your day extra comfortable.
If you visit Tsambika Beach in the summer months, there’s a huge inflatable water park just of the shore. It’s a great day out for families or anyone that wants to try water sports such as jet skis and parasailing.
Tsambika Holy Monastery
Overlooking Tsambika Beach from the towering cliffside above is Tsambika Holy Monastery. We visited a few monasteries during our time in Rhodes and none of them were as impressive as this one. It’s perched on top of the highest point of a steep cliffside, and to get there, you’ll need to hike up 300 steps.
You can park your car at the top of the hill and walk the 300 steps, or if you’re feeling extra adventurous, you can trek up to Tsambika Holy Monastery from the beach below. The views at the top of the climb are some of the best you’ll find in Rhodes, all with the backdrop of the hilltop chapel.
Kallithea Springs
Kallithea Springs is a stylish beach club and gallery built on the site of an ancient thermal springs. The monument dates back to the 7th century BC and has been renovated and remodelled many times throughout history.
It has several neatly manicured garden areas, remnants of the original thermal springs and several galleries and exhibits to browse. The main attraction is the beachfront. It hosts a stylish restaurant and café and has sun loungers to hire, all surrounded by a beautiful beach cove. Whether you want to visit for its history and design or just want to relax at the beachfront, Kallithea Springs is a great place to visit for half a day.
Stegna Beach
Stegna Beach proved to be one of our favourite beach towns in Rhodes. Much quieter than neighbouring resort areas and with an excellent selection of beach-side tavernas, we were charmed by its scenic seafront and laidback atmosphere. It has far fewer crowds than elsewhere and its long coastal promenade is a pleasure to walk along at any time of the day.
Top things to see here include its marina, beach area and the bars, cafes and restaurants of town. It’s a nice place to grab lunch and go for a walk. Alternatively, hire a boat and explore the nearby coastline or hire a lounger on the beach. Sun loungers here are a lot cheaper than other Rhodes beach towns. We visited Stegna for lunch twice during our visit and they were two of the best meals of our trip. Just like the sun loungers, prices for eating out are more affordable than elsewhere.
Agia Agathi Beach
Agia Agathi Beach, also known as Golden Sand Beach is one of Rhodes’ nicest sandy beaches. As its name suggests, the sand here is a gorgeous golden colour. There’s very little development in the area. It’s just raw beach beauty and crashing waves. As the beach is secluded and only reachable by car, it’s a quiet place to visit, suiting those than want to relax on a beach towel away from the tourist crowds.
There are no facilities such as sun loungers and restaurants, so be sure to pack a towel and plenty of snacks and drinks. We visited Agia Agathi on a cloudy day so didn’t see it in its full glory. However, we could still appreciate its beauty, especially when so many of the other beaches in Rhodes are pebble beaches.
Traganou Beach and Caves
The next beach recommendation is just a short drive from Agia Agathi Beach. Unlike the sandy shores of Agia Agathi, Traganou Beach is a long pebble beach that’s popular with the locals. It’s a great place to try some water sports such as jet skiing and parasailing. You also have some good boat trip options that depart from the beach.
The main reason to visit Traganou is for its majestic caves. The rugged, rocky coastline has several caverns and rock formations that you can explore. The caves are right behind the beachfront and are easy to access.
Afandou Village
The traditional village of Afandou is a great place to visit in Rhodes to get a feel for local island life. The town has a main square with a quaint church and a town hall. There are also several scenic alleyways and plenty of local tavernas and cafes. Very few tourists visit Afandou. It’s a great place to grab a coffee, people watch and experience a different side Rhodes.
Outside of town, there’s a Greek Orthodox Church called The Church of Panagia Katholiki, which has a history dating back to 1745. A little further out is Afandou Beach. Just like the village, there are very few tourists here. The beach feels quiet, remote and relaxing.
Filerimos Hill
Filerimos Hill is the highest point in the north of the island. Rising 267 metres above the village of Ialyssos, it’s a historic hill with scenic viewpoints, an old monastery and a giant cross monument that has a view of Rhodes Airport. The journey up Filerimos Hill is almost as scenic as the hill itself, with winding roads and panoramic views of the town below. At the top of the ascent, there’s a long, straight path with religious monuments and trees on either side. It leads to one of the most epic viewpoints on the island.
Other things worth checking out in the area include The Monastery of Panagia Filerimos, a Gothic Church that was built on the site of an ancient Byzantine monastery. You’ll also get to meet the local residents, the peacocks. They’re everywhere!
Butterfly Valley
Our next attraction recommendation is deep in the Rhodes mountainside, away from the coastline. Butterfly Valley, as its name suggests, is a valley that’s covered in butterflies at certain points of the year. Between June and August, thousands of butterflies leave their cocoons and can be seen fluttering around the valley.
Even if you aren’t visiting in the summer months, Butterfly Valley is a great place to visit in Rhodes to go for a slow-paced hike. A well-paved route takes you from the base of the creek, up to the highest point, passing small waterfalls, streams and rest stops on the way. The forest scenery and wildlife of Butterfly Valley make it a must-see for those that enjoy nature walks.
Archaeological Site of Kamiros
All Greek Islands have their share of ancient Greek monuments. The highest regarded ancient ruin in Rhodes is the Archaeological Site of Kamiros. Located on the west coast, it was once one of the most important cities on the island. It has origins dating all the way back to 850 BC.
While most of the site has been destroyed and is a shadow of its former glory, you can still see the remnants of the acropolis, The Sanctuary of Athena and countless other smaller buildings. For a detailed account of each ruin you can book a private, guided tour. Alternatively, grab a map and wonder around the ruins yourself, stopping at the placards for background information. There’s a small entry fee for the Kamiros Archaeological Site.
Kritinia Castle
Another historic place to visit on the west coast is Kritinia Castle. This 16th-century castle is perched on the side of a hilltop overlooking the town of Kritinia. Built by the Knights of the Order of St. John, its strategic location was once a key island defence against enemies and pirates.
We’ve been to a lot of castles and not many of them are as visually impressive as Kritinia’s hillside view. After driving up to the castle entrance, you can explore its inner walls and armaments on foot. The decaying rooms and ruins of the castle are interesting to wander around. You also have some beautiful views of the coastline below.
Κοpria Beach
The next stop-off point on our west-coast road trip is a small cove known as Kopria Beach. It’s a short drive down the road from the castle we’ve just mentioned. Kopria is a tiny bay that has shelter from the sea, with two rocky cliffsides on either side. The water here is shallow, calm and perfect for bathing.
We recommend visiting Kopria Beach for a quiet beach afternoon after exploring the castles and ruins of the west coast. There are sun loungers to hire, and due to its remote location, it never feels too busy. We enjoyed lunch in the local taverna and it was one of the best and most affordable meals we had in Rhodes.
Castle of Monolithos
Our final recommendation for the west coast is Monolithos Castle, a majestic Venetian Castle that’s strategically positioned on top of a 236m-high rock. Like many of the Rhodes’ castles, it was built by the Order of Saint John in the late-1400s.
The hike up the steps to the castle is easy and short. When you enter, you’ll be greeted by decaying walls, a small church and stunning panoramic views of the coastline. The towering vantage point gives you a great view of the entire west coast, including the small islands of Halki and Alimia in the distance. Monolithos Castle is free to visit; you’ll just need a car to get there.
Mountain towns
Rhodes may be known for its beaches and beautiful coastlines. However, we were surprised by how vast and beautiful its countryside is. Its forest-covered mountains and hillsides are full of wineries, olive farms and quaint villages. Driving between the villages on the winding roads makes for an excellent road trip.
Add Rhodes’ mountain villages to your itinerary to get a feel of what the island is like away from the resort towns. Top local villages to visit include the culture-rich Apollona with its wineries and olive groves. There’s also the tree-covered village of Eleousa with its historic buildings, and Embonas, which has a great selection of tavernas and cafes.
Jacob’s Canyon
Our final recommendation is an attraction away from the main tourist trail. Nestled away on the island’s mountainous west coast, Jacob’s Canyon is a 3.3 mile hiking route through a narrow gorge. The meandering canyon has unique rock formations, a rugged, uneven path, and in some areas, you’ll need to climb over boulders. It’s a beautiful canyon to visit and reaching the end of the trail is very rewarding.
If you’re a keen hiker or climber and want a moderate-to-challenging hike, be sure to add it to your list.
That brings us to the end of our guide. We hope we inspired you with some of the best places to visit in Rhodes and you can now plan your own trip. It’s an action-packed Greek island with plenty to see and do, suiting those that enjoy both relaxation and sightseeing.
If you have any questions about any of the places we’ve featured, be sure to post a comment.
By Ricky
Author bio:An adventurer at heart that loves anything outdoors. Beaches, mountains and amazing scenery is everything I love about travel! I also enjoy home comforts and need a nice place to relax and re-charge after every trip.